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Response of Activated Sludge to Long-Term Nanosilver Input and Changes in Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS)

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Abstract

This study investigates the response of activated sludge to continuous nanosilver (AgNPs) input in a large concentration range. In addition to substrate removal, changes taking place in the different fractions of Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS), namely, very loosely bound-EPS (VLB-EPS), loosely bound-EPS (LB-EPS), and tightly bound-EPS (TB-EPS), as well as the protein and carbohydrate content of each fraction were examined. At relatively low AgNP concentrations (5 mg/L), production of loosely bound fractions became higher. At AgNP ≥ 12 mg/L, also TB-EPS production was promoted. Seemingly, bacteria were protected from inhibitory effects by regulation of EPS production. Moreover, new proteins emerged in EPS. Respiration tests indicated no effect on substrate removal even at high AgNP concentrations because the nanomaterial lost its effectiveness upon continuous aeration. In WWTPs, AgNP concentrations are normally below 0.8 mg/L. Therefore, no negative impact on substrate removal and no visible changes in EPS production would be expected.

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Funding

This work was supported by grants from the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK grant 111Y018) and Bogazici University Research Fund (BAP grant 15Y00P1).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Environmental Sciences, Bogazici University, Bebek, 34342, Istanbul, Turkey

    Ferhan Çeçen, Ayse Gul Geyik & Başak Kılıç

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  1. Ferhan Çeçen
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  2. Ayse Gul Geyik
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  3. Başak Kılıç
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Correspondence to Ferhan Çeçen.

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Çeçen, F., Geyik, A.G. & Kılıç, B. Response of Activated Sludge to Long-Term Nanosilver Input and Changes in Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS). Water Air Soil Pollut 231, 501 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-020-04882-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-020-04882-7

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